October 19, 2021
Workplace Health & Safety Queensland has released details of two incidents in August where it is suspected that asbestos particles were released into the environment using high-pressure water spray equipment.
In the first, as part of cleaning, sealing and painting at a house residence, a home maintenance business used high-pressure water spray equipment on an asbestos cement roof.
Asbestos contaminated dust and debris was spread across the yard, in vegetation and on adjoining structures, as well as the driveway and a car.
Debris also allegedly spread on to a neighbour’s driveway and car, and on to the street and into council drains.
In a separate incident, a painting contractor appears to have used high-pressure water spray equipment on a roof believed to have asbestos containing material.
Debris was distributed on parts of the property and two neighbouring houses.
A Workplace Health & Safety statement reminded residents that Queensland laws prohibit the use of certain tools and work methods when working with asbestos-containing materials as they can generate dangerous airborne asbestos fibres.
It is illegal to use high-pressure water spray equipment on asbestos, including asbestos cement roofs, fences and walls.
High-pressure water spray equipment destroys the binding matrix of asbestos containing material, leaving cement debris and asbestos in the air.
This results in widespread contamination, putting people’s health at risk.
A person conducting a business or undertaking has a duty to ensure workers and others are not exposed to the risk of airborne asbestos.
The person with management or control of the workplace must also take all reasonable steps to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials have been identified at the workplace.
If a competent person reasonably believes materials may contain asbestos, then the person with management or control must assume asbestos is present.
- Related article: Council Checks Asbestos Risk
- External link: SBRC Asbestos information
